Report slams immigration service

Immigration bosses are set for more controversy with the release of an auditor-general's report after a year-long inquiry.

The immigration service is understood to come in for heavy criticism in the report, which is likely to be made public tomorrow a year to the day since it was announced.

Auditor-General Kevin Brady stepped in after the service became embroiled in controversy over allegations of special treatment for family members by former boss Mary Anne Thompson.

The auditor-general was also looking at public service recruitment processes in the wake of allegations that Ms Thompson may have exaggerated her qualifications. She is facing charges of dishonestly using a curriculum vitae.

Mr Brady's inquiry focused on the integrity of systems and practices within Immigration New Zealand, especially within its Pacific division. But, in a rare move, Mr Brady questioned senior ministers over what they knew about the case involving Ms Thompson's family.